ARLINGTON HEIGHTS, Ill. (Sept. 2, 2006) – Strode Stables LLC’s Sea Siren, a disappointing 10th in the Ellis Park’s Grade III Gardenia Handicap in her last start, made amends Saturday with a front-running victory in the Grade III $150,000 Arlington Matron Handicap. Mark Guidry rode the daughter of Stormy Atlantic, who went the mile and an eighth on a fast track in 1:49.19 after posting fractions of 23.25 seconds, 46.95 seconds, 1:11.33 and 1:36.47.

Ralph Nicks trains the 4-year-old filly who won for the second time in six starts this year. She earned $90,000 for the victory to boost her bankroll to $193,110 while improving her overall record to four wins from 15 starts.

“Ralph said the main thing was to get her out of the gate and not have to check or anything because she gets discouraged real easily,” Guidry said. “She broke real good. I was a little worried on the backside because I thought we were going pretty quick, but turning for home I punched on her and she took off.”

Stop a Train and Sunset Kisses, both trained by Christine Janks, finished second and third respectively in the five-horse field. Maggie Slew and Take a Check completed the order of finish.

“She ran a great race,” said Chris Emigh, who rode the runner-up. “I thought the speed would soften the pace but she never stopped.”

“I had a perfect trip,” said Sunset Kisses’ rider Larry Sterling Jr. “I just stayed as close as I could for as long as I could. The other filly just wasn’t slowing down. My filly gave it all she had. I’m real happy with the way she ran.”

Sent off as the longest shot in the field, Sea Siren returned $31.60, $9.80 and $4. Stop a Train paid $4.60 and $2.80. Sunset Kisses paid $2.80.

Earlier in the day, Guidry rode J. David Banks & Hondo Ranch Inc.’s Lord Carmen, who stalked the pace of American Man, put away that rival at the top of the stretch and rallied to post a two-length victory in the $41,750 Rossi Gold Stakes. The Frank Kirby-trained son of Ordway covered the about one and one-half miles over good turf in 2:30.05 and paid $13.20, $4.60 and $3.80.